“A Night in Athens… in Pittsburgh” [Photo Essay]

More than 275 Ohio University alumni and friends gathered at the Fairmont Hotel on Market in Pittsburgh, Pa. on May 7th for a special alumni event developed by the Ohio University Alumni Association (OUAA) and co-hosted by the Pittsburgh Regional The Promise Lives Campaign Committee.

Some 1,897 OHIO Alumni live in the city of Pittsburgh. An unprecedented 14 percent of them came out for this event – which wasn’t just any event in a hotel ballroom. Themed “A Night in Athens… in Pittsburgh,” the OUAA recreated the OHIO and Athens experience 202 miles from the College Green.

“Bobcats are special and so is the ‘Burgh.’ Put the two together, and you have one magical evening!” said Jennifer Neubauer, assistant vice president for Alumni Relations and executive director of the OUAA. “A Night in Athens in Pittsburgh certainly didn’t disappoint as the largest event the Association has hosted in that region. Special thanks go out to our chapter volunteers who worked diligently to promote the event and have – in the days following – fielded many emails from enthusiastic alumni wishing to become more involved.”

In fact, the Pittsburgh Chapter already has planned a follow-up happy hour for all area alumni on Thursday, June 5 starting at 6 p.m. at Olive or Twist located at 140 6th St. in Pittsburgh (registration is not required).

Take a look at some of memorable moments from “A Night in Athens…”.

Alumni took advantage of a “blue screen” photo booth (plus green and white accessories) to transport themselves to Court Street and iconic campus locales like the College Gate and the Convo. Guests printed the images as keepsakes and posted them to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A live social media stream entertained guests with #AthensinPittsburgh.

“Flat Rufus” was on hand for photo opportunities, like this one with young alumnae who clearly “miss Athens.”

Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis addressed the enthusiastic crowd inviting alumni to recruit one student, to visit the Athens Campus, and to give back during The Promise Lives Campaign.

Guests stopped for photo opportunities near a replica of Ohio University’s Alumni Gateway – which stands at the corner of Court and Union Streets in Athens – as they entered the Fairmont Ballroom.

“A Night in Athens…” featured 8x8 foot images of buildings housing 11 of Ohio University’s academic units on which guests were invited to leave a message for their college of graduation. Here, Vice President for Student Affairs Ryan Lombardi visits with an alumnus in front of the Grover Center façade.

Guests represented a variety of OHIO’s academic colleges and the classes of 1966 through those just graduating on May 3, 2014. The event featured deferential nods to classic Athens, Ohio, fare including the Mexican-style of Casa Nueva, the Asian cuisine of China Fortune and Lui Lui, and the dogs of O’Betty’s. Guests also enjoyed playful homage paid to classic Athens bars like The Junction.